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Crain's Chicago Business
Get a head start on your workday with the stories that matter most. Listen to our roundup of essential Chicago headlines and analysis from Crain’s reporters and host Amy Guth.
05/25/23: In this market, even ho-hum homes draw scads of bids
Why are some ordinary houses getting an extraordinary number of offers? Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest local housing news.
Plus: Marina City's retail space and the Hotel Chicago both hit the market; higher fares and bigger crowds await Americans vacationing abroad this summer; Walgreens settles claims with consumers over Theranos blood tests; and a big production studio campus is set to open on the Northwest Side early next year.
40:5124/05/2023
05/24/23: What's cooking in Northwestern's startup hub
Host Amy Guth checks in with Mike Raab, executive director of The Garage at Northwestern, about the university’s student startup competition Venturecat and chats with a few of the semifinalists.
Plus: Federal Reserve survey says Midwest business outlook is still weak, Lettuce Entertain You named food partner for NASCAR Chicago event, Peoples Gas' $15 million customer refund could lead to an even bigger one and Graham Foundation reveals $560,000 grant recipients — including four Chicago artists.
24:5623/05/2023
05/23/22: Horizon merger hits perilous roadblock
Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis and host Amy Guth break down the ongoing saga around the Horizon-Amgen deal.
Plus: "Compensation actually paid" varies widely on CEO compensation under new SEC rule, Google and IBM validate U of C's quantum ambitions, Apple Store in Lincoln Park hits the market and local food pantries see surge in demand as federal aid disappears.
26:1622/05/2023
05/22/23: The contrarian tycoon, Sam Zell
Crain’s commercial real estate reporter Alby Gallun joins host Amy Guth to discuss the recent death of billionaire real estate investor Sam Zell and the legacy he leaves behind.
Plus: Peoples Gas customers are in line for a big refund, BP agrees to 'record-setting' $40 million fine over Whiting refinery emissions, Addison and Clark development next to Wrigley Field sells for a big loss and Peotone airport plan lasses legislature, but the outcome is uncertain.
25:1419/05/2023
05/18/23: Chicago's vacation home market is on fire
Crain's real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including about the still-hot demand for vacation homes and the city’s plans for a long-fallow lot in Pilsen.
Plus: Luxury hotel St. Regis Chicago changed owners just one day after opening, court rules against co-working giant Industrious in lawsuit over shuttered West Loop location, Jeep Cherokee owners warned to park outside citing fire risk and Johnson tours makeshift migrant shelters on his second day in office.
43:3117/05/2023
5/17/23: What's first for Mayor Johnson?
Read Justin Laurence's reporting on Mayor Brandon Johnson's first day in office here.
24:3016/05/2023
05/16/23: Brandon Johnson takes over the fifth floor
Brandon Johnson was sworn in as the 57th mayor of Chicago.
Plus: Crain’s reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the newly opened Englewood Save-A-Lot, which was initially delayed after community pushback; Groupon terminating HQ lease early; Illinois Medicaid and SNAP beneficiaries' personal info leaked in data breach; and Kraft Heinz agrees to $450M settlement with shareholders over 2015 merge.
22:0015/05/2023
05/15/23: A new but familiar neuroscience startup in Evanston
Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about a biotech researcher opening a new lab in Evanston after a previous startup of his shut down.
Plus: Chicago police receive more than 50 applicants for superintendent role, Groupon issues 'going concern' warning to investors, Lightfoot issues executive order on environmental justice and United climbs rankings for business and first-class travelers.
21:5012/05/2023
05/11/23: Chicago lags in key housing market stat
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin chats with host Amy Guth on news from the local market, including how people with mortgages in Chicago are not as house-rich as they are in other big metro areas.
Plus: Lightfoot issues an emergency declaration over migrant surge, Illinois marijuana sales stalled in April, Sterling Bay CEO says Lincoln Yards is in talks for new financing and Shedd Aquarium will close for NASCAR race weekend.
44:0710/05/2023
05/10/23: Is the City Council the answer to Chicago's problems?
Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot talks with host Amy Guth about how the City Council can lead the response to Chicago's most urgent challenges.
Plus: Bally's plans to offer city residents stakes in Chicago casino, Byron Allen sues McDonald's over ad spending, Baxter to sell biopharma unit for $4.25 billion and a fight over Japan illustrates a bigger battle for United Airlines.
24:1509/05/2023
05/09/23: Johnson brings serious overhaul to City Council
Crain’s reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about how Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is putting his stamp on City Council by way of a major committee shake-up.
Plus: Sentencing dates set for the 'ComEd Four,' Biden to seek rules for airline benefits to stranded travelers, Rivian's first-quarter report to reflect lower sales due to factory downtime and what’s changing as the COVID emergency designation period comes to a close.
20:2008/05/2023
05/08/23: Portillo's eyes a path fast-food joints hesitate to go
Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about Portillo’s mulling risky expansion options, the Labor Department fining three McDonald’s franchisees for violating child labor laws and more.
Plus: Bally's and Tribune parent reportedly reach a deal to clear the way for casino, Baxter names CEO for planned kidney care spinoff, Chicago-based life sciences incubator raises $75 million for new cities and CTA is getting $200 million from the feds for new train cars.
20:0505/05/2023
05/04/23: A new house, fresh off the assembly line
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about new houses rolling out of one South Side plant.
Plus: Tax assessor Fritz Kaegi moves to jack up Bears' Arlington Heights tax tab, Illinois near the top in U.S. in pot taxes collected, Chicago a 'bright spot' in nationwide hospital safety survey and why flights might get cheaper after a busy summer.
23:4903/05/2023
05/03/23: All ruled guilty in 'ComEd Four' trial
Follow the reporting of Steve Daniels here.
27:0702/05/2023
05/02/23: Struggling hospitals turn to Illinois for help
As hospitals and other health care providers continue to struggle with rising costs and other issues, industry groups headed to Springfield to urge legislation they say could help. Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses their push with host Amy Guth.
Plus: It takes $172K to feel like you make $100K in Chicago, Brandon Johnson names John Roberson as city's incoming COO, Rivian's troubles don't end at a 93% stock price wipeout and JPMorgan to acquire failed regional bank First Republic.
25:3901/05/2023
05/01/23: Previewing May's must-see events
Crain's contributor Graham Meyer, who writes the weekly Big Ticket column, talks with host Amy Guth about can’t-miss arts and culture events in the month ahead.
Plus: Illinois delegation asks Congress for $75M to pay for 2024 DNC, civilian oversight commission hires recruiting firm for new CPD chief search, big Fulton Market apartment project moves forward with $125 million loan and applicants for new weed licenses nearly triple thanks to rules overhaul.
21:3228/04/2023
04/27/23: Red tulips for empty, redlined lots
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth recap local housing news, including a look at the latest data around home prices in Chicago and how 100,000 red tulips in Washington Park mark sites of redlining.
Plus: Trump hotel poised for $1 million tax refund, Foxx announced she won’t seek another term as potential successors start to emerge, Lewis University and St. Augustine College to merge, Tinley Park concert venue renamed, and Jose Cuervo owner set to buy Wacker Drive office building.
46:2526/04/2023
04/26/23: Exec pay cuts, rebelling franchisees at McDonald's
Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti updates host Amy Guth on all things McDonald's, including executives taking a hit to the wallet, franchisees fighting against rule tightening and an ad calling out "blatant racism" at the company.
Plus: Chicago Fed report hints at looming recession here, Avli Restaurant Group expanding to Fulton Market, developer details plans for industrial park on Baxter's Deerfield HQ, and business travel is reportedly on the rebound, but in a way that signals the industry is likely to look different than before the pandemic.
21:3925/04/2023
04/25/23: How tech can level Chicago's economic disparities
Crain's contributing columnist Orphe Divounguy chats with host Amy Guth on making markets more free, fair and competitive.
Plus: Verizon store closing adds to Mag Mile's woes; as United eyes Europe and business travel, Newark takes center stage; the hot market for industrial space; and ComEd wants a $247 million rate hike on top of the $1.5 billion hike already pending.
29:2324/04/2023
04/24/23: The 'ComEd Four' mount a defense
Crain's utilities reporter Steve Daniels talks with host Amy Guth about the latest in the trial of the "ComEd Four" as the case heads into closing arguments.
Plus: Brandon Johnson faces tough choice as the search for the next Chicago police chief moves forward, strong demand for Abbott's medical devices partially offsets COVID test declines, Rivian says its vehicles will qualify for full tax credit, and Chicago collective who aims to help women gets $2.25 million award from JPMorgan Chase.
40:1421/04/2023
04/20/23: One way to hang onto your ultra-low mortgage
Crain's reporter Dennis Rodkin and host Amy Guth discuss the latest residential real estate news, including what could be the area's most expensive home and a strategy that lets homeowners keep their ultra-low-interest mortgages in the age of escalating rates.
Plus: Chicago is the fourth-wealthiest city in the U.S. when you count millionaires; the police department plans to enforce curfew laws and add security measures after a weekend of violence; experts argue for saving the downtown Greyhound station as a critical transit hub; and Molson Coors is poised to move to BMO Tower and join the herd of companies shedding big chunks of office space.
41:3219/04/2023
04/19/23: Soon-to-be grads are snapping up jobs
Crain's reporter John Pletz tells host Amy Guth why far more college seniors are rushing to accept job offers this year.
Plus: Mayor Lightfoot's budget office leaves a parting gift for her successor, Brandon Johnson — but not without strings attached; Southwest Airlines resumes flights after a brief halt amid tech trouble; Wells Fargo warns more office-market stress is on the way; and rising prices lifted local retail and restaurant sales in 2022.
20:2618/04/2023
04/18/23: Hospitals brace for a revenue hit
Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about how thousands of patients face losing Medicaid coverage this year, causing hospitals that serve poor communities to fear revenue declines that could lead to cuts in staff and services.
Plus: Big tests are ahead for the Supreme Court, Springfield legislators and especially Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson; Crain's exclusive Privately Held Companies list reveals the firms that grew fastest last year; McDonald's is making tweaks to its classic burgers; and WeWork gets hit with an eviction lawsuit after it closes its biggest Loop location.
27:3517/04/2023
04/17/23: Walmart closings draw ire from the city
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson blasted Walmart after the retail giant announced plans to close four Chicago stores. Crain's retail reporter Ally Marotti discusses with host Amy Guth.
Plus: BMO Tower is getting a new tenant who's adding space, Deloitte reports biz travel will lag well into next year, Rivian shifts to in-house motors to boost production and owner of former home of Emmett Till picked for federal environmental justice money.
23:0714/04/2023
04/13/23: Asking-price creep around Chicago
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how asking prices for homes hit a new high.
Plus: New survey says most Americans say they or a family member has experienced gun violence, Advocate Aurora's 2022 financial performance takes a hit, Ernst & Young calls off splitting its audit and consulting units and federal grant likely to cover millions in security costs for 2024 DNC.
41:5412/04/2023
04/12/23: The case against the 'ComEd Four'
Crain’s utilities reporter Steve Daniels, who has been covering the "ComEd Four" trial, talks with host Amy Guth about the case as the prosecution begins to wrap up.
Plus: Outcome Health execs convicted in federal fraud case, Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention, DuSable Lake Shore Drive to partially shut down three days before first NASCAR race and Citadel’s Ken Griffin cuts another Chicago tie.
34:5011/04/2023
04/11/23: McDonald's layoffs, restructure plan surface
Crain’s restaurants reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about the latest big restructuring moves coming from McDonald's and a local plant-based food startup that just raised $5.5 million.
Plus: Gov. Pritzker and Mayor-elect Johnson working together to land DNC convention in Chicago, AbbVie cuts guidance and pulls accelerated approvals for blood cancer treatments, both Salesforce and Facebook parent Meta aim to unload big chunks of Chicago office space, and court upholds dismissal of Chicago parking meter lawsuit.
23:2210/04/2023
04/10/23: What's ahead for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson
Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz and host Amy Guth analyze the runoff election results and discuss the issues facing Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson as he prepares to take over the fifth floor.
Plus: As layoffs ripple through its HQ, McDonald's also makes cuts in office space; growth slowing for Illinois weed sales; O'Hare ranked 4th-busiest airport in the world; and empty downtown workspace jumps again as economic fears grow.
26:0107/04/2023
04/06/23: High-end housing hits the brakes
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including highest-priced home sales' first-quarter slip and demolition underway on embattled lakefront Winnetka properties.
Plus: What lies ahead for Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson and Chicago; Democratic-backed judge wins Wisconsin Supreme Court seat ahead of abortion ruling; S&P puts debt for Merchandise Mart's owner on watch for a downgrade; and despite many workers shifting to hybrid or fully remote schedules, CTA chief says crime is to blame for slow ridership rebound.
36:1705/04/2023
04/05/23: Major corporate reshuffling at McDonald's
Crain’s reporter Ally Marotti talks with host Amy Guth about changes in the local food sector, as McDonald's makes strategic and staffing adjustments and Foxtrot sees a leadership change.
Plus: Rivian stands by EV output goal despite production slowdown, Los Angeles and St. Louis law firms expand into Chicago market, Verano CEO predicts 'inflection point' for cannabis, and Czech investor takes over as Groupon CEO.
22:2604/04/2023
04/04/23: Lawmakers consider new hospital merger rules
Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about proposed state legislation that would tighten oversight of hospital mergers. The measure comes amid concerns over higher prices as the quality of care worsens or stagnates.
Plus: Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas rally to turn out voters ahead of the mayoral runoff; the Signature Room property in the Hancock tower goes up for sale; Hyatt Chairman Thomas Pritzker is among the billionaires subpoenaed in a Jeffrey Epstein lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase; and McDonald's shuts down its U.S. offices in advance of layoffs.
22:2603/04/2023
04/03/23: What a life sciences win would mean for Chicago
Chicago is competing for another big biomedical hub. Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about that and other efforts underway in the life sciences sector in and around Chicago.
Plus: A federal judge blocks an Affordable Care Act rule requiring insurers to cover preventive care; a Lake Shore Drive redesign project shows off a dramatic new look for Oak Street Beach; CVS' acquisition of Oak Street Health clears a regulatory hurdle; and a Lurie Children's Hospital survey finds most Chicago parents, and many kids, worry over mass shootings
21:0231/03/2023
03/30/23: Chicago housing market shows its resilience
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local market, including how home price growth here topped the national rate for the first time in years.
Plus: Star witness and government mole Fidel Marquez takes stand in 'ComEd Four' trial; Walgreens' health care segment grows after billion-dollar investments; Chicago restaurants that are now James Beard Award finalists; and Chicago parks look for outside help to put sex abuse scandal (and maybe the Bears) in the rearview.
49:0829/03/2023
03/29/23: Art Institute under pressure to return key artifacts
A collection at the Art Institute has increasingly come under scrutiny as the museum has faced questions about its commitment to ethical collections. Crain's contributor Elyssa Cherney and ProPublica's Steve Mills, who reported on the Art Institute’s Alsdorf collection, talk with host Amy Guth about the story.
Plus: Outcome Health founders skip taking the stand in their federal fraud trial, city picks projects to advance LaSalle Street apartment conversions and backs plan for $47 million housing project in East Garfield Park, and bill to OK windmills in Lake Michigan gains major steam in Springfield.
29:5828/03/2023
03/28/23: Going way, way back at the Field Museum
Crain’s contributor Graham Meyer, who writes the weekly Big Ticket column, talks with host Amy Guth about can’t-miss arts and culture events in the month ahead, including an exhibition at the Field Museum with artifacts from the Stone Age.
Plus: United to start air-taxi service to O'Hare in 2025; Rivian reportedly relocating some engineers to Normal plant; 2022 was a tough year for Chicago's largest money managers, but it could've been worse; and Giannoulias fears 'catastrophic' data hack, wants $200 million to fix system.
23:1527/03/2023
03/27/23: A strange fixture in Chicago's budget process
Crain’s contributor Steve Hendershot talks with host Amy Guth about the latest installation of the “One City, 50 Wards” project, a joint series from Crain’s and the University of Chicago Center for Effective Government that explores how Chicago’s city government is designed, how it functions and how it performs.
Plus: Chicago mayoral candidates visit Crain’s editorial board, the prosecution wraps up in Outcome Health trial, Chicago breaks into top 10 of world financial centers rankings and Chan Zuckerberg lab coming to Fulton Market.
21:2324/03/2023
03/23/23: 'Silver tsunami' creates another housing boom
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about news from the local housing market, including a surge in more affordable senior housing developments.
Plus: Investors sue Lightfoot administration over scuttled deal next to Michael Reese site, cannabis industry trade orgs plead for SAFE Banking hearing, Elizabeth Warren wants FTC review of CVS-Oak Street Health deal, and proposed legislation aims to alleviate medical debt burden in Illinois.
51:5422/03/2023
03/22/23: Mad dash in the Chicago mayoral race
Crain’s politics reporter Justin Laurence talks with host Amy Guth about the Chicago mayoral runoff race and what to expect in the final stretch ahead of election day.
Plus: The economic value of Lollapalooza to Chicago, compared to NASCAR; the Economic Club names Sean Connolly as next board chair; Rush plans West Side outpatient center; and ComEd valued the passage of 2016 energy law at $1.8 billion.
23:4021/03/2023
03/21/23: For some developers, a hard ceiling on juicy contracts
Crain’s Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about how contractors and developers are benefitting from big projects, but for some minority- and women-owned businesses, growth is limited by revenue caps.
Plus: Mayoral runoff marathon continues; U of I clean energy research gets $120 million boost from feds; after layoffs, health care consultancy offers one of downtown's largest subleases; and state lawmakers advance measure to regulate ride-shares like public transit.
21:0120/03/2023
03/20/23: This vet's clinic looks like your doctor's office
Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about a Chicago veterinary startup betting its expansion on a tried-and-true model — human health care.
Plus: Jesus "Chuy" Garcia endorses Brandon Johnson, Grubhub and Uber can’t move price-fixing suit to arbitration, Chicago competing for another big biomedical hub, Rivian Automotive's chief engineer returns to McLaren and how grad student unions at NU and U of C may change Chicago's labor landscape.
23:1817/03/2023
03/16/23: Brandon Johnson pushes 'mansion tax' revival
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including how mayoral runoff candidate Brandon Johnson supports a tax measure meant to fight homelessness in Chicago.
Plus: Pritzker, 14 other governors ask major pharmacies to clarify abortion pill distribution plan; electric vehicle production is slowly catching up to demand; more retailers expanding to Fulton Market; and Wall Street rewards Illinois with a debt upgrade — but doesn't sugarcoat its outlook.
42:2315/03/2023
03/15/23: Grubhub leadership shake-up
Grubhub's CEO is leaving less than two years after stepping into the role. Crain's reporter Ally Marotti talks about the leadership shakeup with host Amy Guth.
Plus: NASCAR bumps Taste of Chicago to new month, Pritzker reportedly promises Dem leaders that costs for a Chicago convention would be covered, Univar Solutions to be acquired by Apollo Global for $8.1 billion and Chicago Fire sign lease agreement for Near West Side training facility.
19:1814/03/2023
03/14/23: Aftershock from SVB collapse
Crain’s reporter Steve Daniels talks with host Amy Guth about Silicon Valley Bank: What went wrong, why, and should we worry about something similar happening in Chicago?
Plus: Rivian reportedly negotiating end to exclusivity deal with Amazon, lender seizing vacant Loop landmark, Juul settles with Chicago for nearly $24 million, and United Center concession workers reach tentative agreement with employer.
25:2113/03/2023
03/13/23: Duly's murky future
Crain’s health care reporter Katherine Davis talks with host Amy Guth about how the future for independent physician groups is growing more uncertain.
Plus: Biden budget includes $350 million for Red Line extension; former Apple store on Mag Mile scores a new tenant; Pritzker shakes up ICC with new chair, two other new appointments; and GM offering buyouts to most U.S. salaried workers.
22:5710/03/2023
03/09/23: A Prohibition-era bar, in a co-op unit
Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including the listing of a Jazz Age co-op on Lake Shore Drive once owned by a federal judge with a secret bar.
Plus: NASCAR may force Taste of Chicago from its longtime Grant Park home, United Airlines pilot contract talks hit turbulence, state extends deadline for craft cannabis businesses and seven restaurants added to Michelin's Chicago guide.
34:1208/03/2023
03/08/23: O'Hare upgrades to come
Crain’s reporter John Pletz talks with host Amy Guth about the $50 million O'Hare is getting from the FAA for Terminal 3 enhancements.
Plus: Toni Preckwinkle enters the endorsement arena with a nod for Brandon Johnson; Chicago lands $80 million to address opioid crisis; Illinois hotels go after "abusive" customers, home-share industry; and power grid operator warns of shortages ahead.
24:4607/03/2023
03/07/23: A Chicago mayoral election unlike any other
Crain's political columnist Greg Hinz talks with host Amy Guth about the upcoming battle for the top job at City Hall.
Plus: Rivian tells staff EV output may be 24% more than forecast, Allstate's new CFO sells more than $1 million in company stock, big Streeterville retail complex hits the market and United Center concession workers walk off the job in one-day strike.
19:2706/03/2023
03/06/23: Insurance giants deep in the red
Crain’s reporter Steve Daniels talks with host Amy Guth about the financial outlook for local insurance groups, specifically how State Farm posted a record $6.7 billion loss as inflation took a toll and how red ink threatens Allstate's stock-buyback plans.
Plus: What’s shaping up to potentially be the most divisive mayor's race in years is being fueled by both unions and executive donors, Walgreens won’t sell abortion pills in 20 states after warning, developers unveil plans to turn LaSalle Street offices into apartments and Chicago lands $250 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for a biotech research hub.
31:1303/03/2023
03/02/23: How to sell Michael Jordan's mansion
Crain’s residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin talks with host Amy Guth about local housing news, including two homes tied to the '90s-era Chicago Bulls, price cuts that were bigger than the final price for a Gold Coast mansion and more.
Plus: Lightfoot won’t get another term as Chicago voters set up a stark choice in April mayoral runoff, appeals court rejects Illinois attempt to revive Equal Rights Amendment, Green Thumb Industries loses $51 million in Q4 despite revenue increase and EV maker Rivian misses estimates on earnings but vows output growth.
51:2101/03/2023
03/01/23: Safety concerns on Advocate co-CEO's mind
Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis talks to host Amy Guth about comments from Advocate Health's co-CEOs on issues impacting them and the city ahead of the mayoral election.
Plus: O'Hare gets $50 million from FAA for Terminal 3 upgrades, Walgreens Boots Alliance plans partial HQ sale, Target and Solo Cup are opening huge warehouses in the southwest suburbs and U of I is getting into the business of angel investing.
20:4528/02/2023